Summertime Sanity
Here’s the truth: summer doesn’t have to be magical. It just has to be manageable. Some days you’ll have energy for beach days and crafts. Other days it’s survival mode—screens, frozen pizza for breakfast and everyone in their feelings.
I made a big boo boo this summer, and I know I’m not alone. I did not forget that summer was approaching, I just couldn’t get myself organized or focused enough to make a decision. Life was just life-ing.
So I choose to give myself grace and have come up with a handful of practical approaches to help me sanely survive the summer.
My youngest son once said to me when he was age 6, flexible people are the most successful people. He was right!
Though kids thrive on structure, maybe summer is a chance to exercise the power of chillaxing and create a loose routine. Break the day up; morning, midday, afternoon, and evening, balancing chores (Oye was a guaranteed fight in the beginning of the summer) chill time, the dreaded electronics, and activities.
My TRIBE has been a God send this summer. Arranging play dates and swapping times has helped me immensely. As a working parent, I’m aware summertime is not the time to set super high career goals, but I also don’t have the luxury nor the want to throw in the towel for the summer. I love my job, and aside from paying the bills, it helps me feel alive and purposeful. My TRIBE shares schedules, and each mom (and dad) steps in when they can offer a hand. Thank you rockstars!
Between work and home, I take an extra 10 minutes to sit in my car to listen to Hz music and breathe deeply. Sometimes I’ll throw in a mantra such as “I am safe,” “I am a bad ass,” “I am love.”
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Alone time is a must to reset. Trade off with a partner or friend. Have a cup of coffee and notice your senses. Fire off a round of gratitude shots.
Anything to bring you back to the present and in coherence.
Every day, without a doubt, the screen is the culprit of my guilt. I keep reminding myself, they’re not the enemy. I recommend setting screen time boundaries that you’re comfortable with.
I keep in mind my kids' age and set appropriate timeframes and content limitations.
Overall, focus on connection, not perfection. Expect messes and meltdowns (I’m not talking about the kids lol). Celebrate small wins—every day doesn’t need to be magical. Let go of comparisons: Your version of “enough” is enough.
xo,
Elizabeth